Auburn makes a strong first impression on Mingo

Chad Simmons is a Recruiting Analyst for Rivals.com. He was the expert on The Next Class on Fox Sports South from 2011-2015. He currently covers Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia and Mississippi.

Marcus Woodson was hired by Auburn early in January and he was on the road checking on prospects in his areas leading up to National Signing Day.

The new Auburn coach spent some time in Mississippi and one prospect that caught his eye was Jonathan Mingo. After seeing the 6-foot-1, 195 pound wide receiver out of Brandon (Miss.) workout one day, the junior was invited to Auburn for their Junior Day February 3.

Before he left that day to head back home, Auburn offered.

"Coach Woodson send me a direct message on Twitter the day after he saw me working out and invited me to Auburn," said Mingo. "At the end of the visit, coach Woodson talked to me about how he likes my film and how he likes how I move, then he offered me."

This was Mingo's fourth offer and he did not see if coming.

"I was definitely surprised by the offer. I know coach Woodson liked me because he was sending me messages right after he saw me. I just did not expect the offer the first time I had visited Auburn."

Memphis, Ole Miss and Mississippi State have also offered Mingo. On his first visit to Auburn, he saw the football facilities, Jordan-Hare Stadium, the dorms and he learned about the academics there.

The Tigers left a strong first impression.

"The overall hospitality there was great. I really liked the people there and the facilities were nice too. I liked seeing how they push their players academically too.

"I like Auburn a lot. They are one of the top football schools in the nation, so getting the offer and seeing what it is like there has them high on my list."

Mingo was as far as saying Auburn is in his top two with Ole Miss, a school he plans to visit this weekend.